Going to the dentist after 5 years, what should I expect?!
Question: I haven't been to a dentist since my old dentist retired when I was 12. Now, I'm almost 17 and I think I have a cavity. I'm scared out of my mind and don't know what to expect. Can someone tell me what to expect when going to a new dentist?
Answers: I haven't been to a dentist since my old dentist retired when I was 12. Now, I'm almost 17 and I think I have a cavity. I'm scared out of my mind and don't know what to expect. Can someone tell me what to expect when going to a new dentist?
From beginning to end:
Fill out paperwork and process insurance information.
You'll be seated and questioned about your medical history (drug allergies, etc.). Any questions that you have about your teeth can be asked at the time.
Someone will look at your teeth and may make some notes.
The dentist will probably want x-rays. You will either have a full mouth series (14-18 small x-rays) or 2-4 x-rays of your back teeth (bitewings) and a "pano" (one x-ray of your entire mouth that is done by a large machine). If you still have your wisdom teeth they will probably take the pano.
If you have an appointment for an exam only the dentist will look over your x-rays and tell
you about any cavities, or other things going on in your mouth, and what steps need to be taken.
If you are having your teeth cleaned, then the dentist will examine your teeth, and the hygienist will clean them. (Instruments to "scale" your teeth and remove the plaque and tartar, then polish, and maybe do a fluoride treatment).
By the end of the appointment you should know all about the condition of your teeth and gums and when you'll need to return for another appointment (cleaning, fillings, etc.).
Don't be scared. If you don't feel comfortable, have questions, or anything let someone know.
You'll be fine! Take a book or magazine as sometimes you have to wait. Have fun!
Work. Perhaps a lot of dental work. First, you will need x-rays to determine if you have cavities. Chances are, you will. Then comes the part where they tell you what is wrong and how to treat it, usually fillings. The real shock though, comes when they tell you how much it costs.
A good 45 min cleaning, x rays, an exam by the dentist, and maybe another scheduled appointment for any work that needs to be done.
Well it depends on how you've been taking care of your teeth. (Duh.)
If you brush your teeth every night and morning and don't eat TOO many sweets then you shouldn't have too much to worry about.
If you have some pains in your mouth when you eat sweets or cold or hot things then you might have a cavity or sensitive teeth. If you don't have any problems then you're pretty lucky. :)
If you get a cavity it's nothing much to worry about. You just get it written down and you need to come back in around a week or so later. When you go back in you have to sit in that chair for a long time. They give you a little numbing shot, or if you're lucky and your dentist is nice, they might put you under with laughing gas or something like that. Then they just do a lot of things that make funny noises and taste bad, but it isn't painful. If it is you need to tell them, because it shouldn't be.
Good luck with the dentist- and don't forget to brush your teeth well before you go!
Well, an initial exam should include a complete health history, full mouth x-rays or a pan and bite-wings. You should be checked for caries [cavities] and periodontal disease [gums]. We do not schedule adults for a cleaning at this appointment as we feel it's best to evaluate a patient first and then have them return for needed treatments. In your case, we would probably schedule the FMX and cleaning together as the chances of your needing other than a simple cleaning are slim. You would then be scheduled for any restorative treatment.
The dentist will do a thorough exam and an x ray. also maybe a cleaning.
Where have your parents been that they did not get you to the dentist every six months??? Don't worry, dental work these days is pretty painless. In the future, make sure you go to the dentist every six months no matter what. That will save you the cost of dental work. Also, it will save your teeth. Teeth are important! I suggest an electric toothbrush. They do such a better job! If you go every six months, you will keep yourself from having to have a lot of work done. Just go and get it over with!
They are going to examine your mouth and clean your teeth. They will take metal instruments and scale (scrap) your teeth. They may probe around your teeth to check your bone level also. Then they will polish your teeth with a gritty paste and then floss your teeth. Remember to ask for your free toothbrush and toothpaste and floss when you leave.